For me, Glacier Bay was the highlight of the cruise.
Such stillness here (other than the broadcast explanations of the local park ranger who has come on board to tell us about the formations of Glacier Bay, and many scientific details, of which I remember none).
As we get closer to the glaciers, bits of floating ice
dot the water,
patches of snow become evident,
and a small dark shape on a floating piece of ice reveals itself to be a seal, watching us watching him.
It's snowing on the mountain tops but we're lucky today to have such good visibility. The captain said that the previous week the scenery was completely hidden by fog.
A small waterfall in the lower region of the mountain
dives into its own reflection.
dives into its own reflection.
The lower slopes are still covered with green, reminding us that less than a century ago, this area was a rich and welcoming homeland, full of natural resources, for the native Tlingit people, until they were pushed further afield by the encroaching glaciers.
Clouds creep down the mountains to soften the appearance of the sharp edged-ridges.
Peace. Silence. Awe.
We can only look on in amazement as we approach the glaciers.
Crew members are passing out small bowls of thick, hot,
pea soup to warm us on our approach to the ice fields.
pea soup to warm us on our approach to the ice fields.
Be sure to get a bowl before we continue on.
Wow! This is just amazing. Those scenes are incredibly beautiful and that little seal just touches my heart. All this and pea soup too. Yum!
ReplyDeleteHilary,
DeleteThe park ranger pointed out the little seal to us. It was rather far away, just a little dark blip on a larger white blip. I was pretty thrilled to get a closer look with my little camera's telephoto capacity pushed to the max.
Glad you're enjoying the soup! One woman actually asked the crewman serving the soup if there wasn't another kind she could have.
Were you tempted to steal a lifeboat, head for the shore, and run off up one of those misty valleys ?
ReplyDeleteum...no.
DeleteWhat, you felt that diving in from an upper deck and swimming for the shore would be a nobler choice than stealing a lifeboat ? I understand...
DeleteWho wouldn't be strongly tempted to want to go exploring that misty, mystical land ?
Btw, you've perhaps (or perhaps not?) read Into the Wild, by Krakauer ? There's a good part in there about a trip he (Krakauer) made to Alaska to go climb some god-forsaken spire of stone, but he burned up his tent, etc... great description of Alaska in there...
Owen,
DeleteI knew you would: Understand; and be tempted to go exploring.
I haven't read Into the Wild. I try to keep such literature out of the house in case certain people of my longtime acquaintance get Ideas from it.
Wow - Such untouched beauty! I love those wisps of low-hanging clouds that appear across the scenery...
ReplyDeleteMystic,
Delete"Untouched" save by Photoshop (just a little). Me too, I loved those wispy clouds. Kind of like soft diaphanous shawls draped across a woman's chilly shoulders.
Oooo - "soft diaphanous shawls draped across a woman's chilly shoulders." Lovely, I feel it... So soothing...
DeleteAlmost as soothing as the cool kiss of lineament on aching ribs?
DeleteThese photos are breathtaking. One of my most vivid memories of living in Alaska was getting to see the glaciers...this was back in the sixties and they were just extraordinary!!! Thanks so much for bringing back wonderful memories for me.
ReplyDeleteDanielle,
DeleteSeeing the glaciers is truly an unforgettable treat, I agree. It must have been an exhilarating and life-shaping experience living in Alaska.
I can hear the silence in these photos. Hard to believe such a place still exists on this planet... Wonderful!!!! (And then you throw in the pea soup for good measure. Brava.)
ReplyDeleteJann,
DeleteOh the silence was really extraordinary. The ship's engines were even stopped. We were lucky enough to hear one loud thunder clap of a piece of glacier "calving"--a piece of ice breaking off and falling into the water. I didn't see it happen, but the sound was unmistakable. It's a tradition, apparently, on cruise ships to serve pea soup during the glacier viewing. Glad you're enjoying it.
Breathtaking photographs! The stillness and silence must make it seem like sacred territory. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBonnie,
DeleteYou're so right, it did seem sacred. The best sort of temple one could ever hope to enter.
Peace. Silence. Awe.
ReplyDeletewhat else could anyone say, feel?
(a humble thank you for this incredible gift)
Roxana,
DeleteYou are most welcome, in every sense of the word.
What joy ! Thank you very much for this escape.
ReplyDeleteRobert,
DeleteNot quite the Great Escape, but definitely a little escapade. So happy that you're enjoying the scenery and fresh mountain and sea air.
It is easy to see why it was the highlight - that second shot particularly is a real gem - such stillness...
ReplyDeleteCatherine,
DeleteSure beats souvenir shops, n'est-ce pas?
Louciao, I can't believe how beautiful this scenery is! It is simply breathtaking! How wonderful that you had this opportunity and how lucky for us since you're able to regale us with your amazing photography! :)
ReplyDeleteBella,
DeleteI didn't really know what to expect when I heard we were to sail into Glacier Bay, but if I had had any expectations, they wouldn't have been disappointed. I was really awed. The colours and magnitude and and and...sheer unadulterated Nature of the place was incredible. I'm glad you're enjoying the tour.
I'm smitten! The grandeur of the scenery is stunning! I love the colors too. Thanks to your good fortune in not finding this jewel fogged in! What an awesome experience. Your photographic work is excellent!
ReplyDeleteStickup,
Delete"Grandeur" yes! That's exactly the word I was searching for to describe the place. Wait till you see the actual glaciers! I know I'm really privileged to have visited this place and seen such sights and amazing colours, and breathed the air, and heard its silence.
Wow, these are perfectly amazing pictures and your description makes me feel as if I am there in the silence. Utterly awe inspiring. I'm glad the scenery wasnt covered in fog during your visit and you had the chance to see this magnificent place, and share it with us.
ReplyDeleteJenny,
DeleteThe place itself was amazing to experience. I'm so pleased that the pictures convey some of this wonder.
Absolutely awesome! In a strange way I can feel the stillness emanating from your images. What a wonderful experience.......and thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteRuby
Ruby,
DeleteWhat a wonderful compliment, that you can feel the stillness emanating from the images. Or maybe its more a testament to your own sensitivity. Either way, I feel most gratified that my pictures are so well received.
Your Alaska photos are amazing! I especially enjoyed Skagway and the glaciers hmm Sagway and the Glaciers sounds like a bar band. lol :-)
ReplyDeleteJames,
DeleteI'll be getting t-shirts printed up with "Skagway and the Glaciers" emblazoned across it once I get a logo designed--and a bar band signed on!